You’ll reap the maximum benefit if you have someone else give you a massage. You can massage some areas of your body yourself, such as your feet and your temples, but what you really need to focus on while getting a massage is relaxing. You’ll never be able to fully relax if you’re doing the work, no matter how minimal. While you can enlist the help of just about anybody, you’ll be better off if your massage is performed by a professional.

The person you choose for your massage is just as important as the aromatherapy massage environment. It should be somewhat darkened and very quiet. The only noises you should hear are natural ones such as bubbling brooks, crashing waves, a gentle rain or other similarly soothing sounds. If you can’t listen to the real thing, don’t worry. Pre-recorded sounds work just fine.

You’ll be most comfortable and reap the most benefits if you’re lying on a firm but comfortable surface. You’ll also be more relaxed if you’re warm so be sure you’re partially covered with a soft, luxurious towel. If you’re okay not being covered, then have a towel nearby in case you care to use it later on. A relaxed state will cause the body’s metabolism rate to slow, which will cause the body temperature to lower.

Essential oils are best and are generally what’s used for massage. Essential oils are extracted from plant material and they’re most effective when they’re diluted with carrier oils or hydrosols. Essential oils are highly concentrated oils and they can be too strong for some skin when used alone. Plus essential oils can be expensive so economically it makes sense to mix them with carrier oils.

The essential oils you choose depend on the benefits you desire. Lavender is excellent for relaxing while peppermint is good for soothing sore muscles. Good carrier oils to use for massage include apricot kernel, sweet almond and grapeseed.   

As a general rule, you’ll need 1 to 2 ounces of carrier oil to massage the entire body. The only carrier oil that is not recommended for use in massage is mineral oil.

If you’re the one who are giving a massage pour a small amount of oil into your hands first to allow them to warm slightly. Rub into skin using a combination of long strokes, and large and small circular motions. Continually vary both the speed and the motion of the massage. When hand movements begin to ‘drag’ it’s time to use more oil.

Massage oil recipes for relaxation:

Lavender essential oils – Mix 4 drops for every tablespoon of carrier oil

Petitgrain essential oils – Mix 1 drop for every tablespoon of carrier oil

Frankincense essential oils – Mix 1 drop for every tablespoon of carrier oil

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For example, it has been shown that lavender is a relaxing scent, whether used in a candle or as potpourri or as a mist. Many will mist lavender-scented water on their pillows or sheets before going to bed, longing for the relaxation allowing them to fall asleep quicker and to sleep longer. An aromatherapy message with essential oils of lavender cannot only relax the mind, but the oils have a soothing effect on the skin and muscles, causing total relaxation of the one receiving the massage.

When getting an aromatherapy message it should be remembered that a person trained in massage should be the one performing the massage to avoid the possibility of pulling or bruising muscles, which can happen if done incorrectly. Use of oils should be done by someone experienced in giving an aromatherapy message to avoid the possibility of using too much, or too little oil.

Massage Is Good, Aroma Is Better

While many may have experienced the benefit of a massage and how it can relax and reinvigorate the muscles, manipulation with the use of essential oils can make an aromatherapy message reach into areas not customarily touch during a massage. The oils’ scent enters the body through the olfactory nerves in the nose and into the lungs where its benefits can be absorbed by the blood, carrying the oils benefits throughout the body.

Using a quality oil is critical to make the effects of the aromatherapy message last longer and provide more intense benefits to the session. There may be some that offer an aromatherapy message that use scented oils which are simply a blend of a scented liquid and massage oils, but unless essential plant oils are used, it may be just a massage with oil that smells good.

The effects of an aromatherapy message should be immediate on the body as well as on the mind and the scent used during the massage can be enhanced even more, if the person giving the massage also introduces it with candles or incense.

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Types Of Aromatherapy Massage Oils

There are many types of aromatherapy massage oils that are available for purchase.  Most oils come in blends to have a specific effect on the body.   For example a blend of mandarin red, geranium rose, and ylang ylang will produce calming and regenerating oil.  There are oils that can work as aphrodisiacs, pain relievers, and to induce a very restful sleep.  These oils and many other blends will make a great holistic treatment through their use in a body massage.  People who are inexperienced in aromatherapy massage oils should consult educated aromatherapy specialists who have attended approved schools of learning.  These professionals will be able to help determine the best aromatherapy massage oils for the specific needs of the individual.

Quality Aromatherapy Massage Oils

Most companies that deal in aromatherapy massage oils are fairly reputable but there are companies that do not sell the products that they advertise.  To be sure a person is getting quality aromatherapy massage oils they should look at several different companies and request references.  This is also a good time to consult educated aromatherapy specialists as they will be able to provide advice in this area.  Quality aromatherapy massage oils will provide great and useful therapy and will be worth the cost.

When a person can indulge in aromatherapy massage oils and can learn to give and to be given a therapeutic massage they will find that many needs can be met.  For couples there are aromatherapy massage oils that will be a great benefit to their emotional and sexual relationship.  Providing massages to each other will be mutually beneficial.  This may even be the key to healing a troubled marital relationship through the give and take that is required in the massage and the benefits of the aromatherapy massage oils.  Trying this out will certainly be fun and relaxing despite the outcome.
 

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